Did It Hurt?

     Travel with me beyond this mortal existence as we follow a man on his trip to heaven. When he first arrives he is awed by all of the sights he sees. In the course of looking around  he finds his way to the very throne room of God. There he finds himself standing in front of the risen Lord. In awe he falls to his knees, overwhelmed to be in the presence of Jesus. From his knees he notices something a little out of place on the ground just behind Jesus. There, on the ground, is a bloodied robe and a twisted crown of thorns.

     Instantly images of all Jesus went through on His way to the cross flash through his mind. He sees Jesus beaten, mocked, and whipped. He sees Jesus trudging toward Calvary under the weight of the cross. He sees the nails driven through flesh, bone, and wood. Lastly, he sees Jesus die.

     The words escape his lips before he can stop them, "Did it hurt?" As soon as they are out he wishes he could call them back. How do you ask Jesus a question like that? Then he feels Jesus gently lifting him to his feet. He feels the arms of the risen Lord wrap around him and he sees a look of love with no conditions on the face of his Lord. Then he hears Jesus whisper, "It was worth it."

     "It was worth it." An Answer that isn't really an answer, but one that speaks volumes. The price Jesus paid; the humiliation, the pain, even death on a cross was worth it because it provided a way for us to join Him in eternity. More than that, the Lord of all creation thought you were worth that price. He was willing to pay that price because He thought you were worth it. If He was willing to do that for you, what are you willing to do for Him?